Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-03-11
borse Department.
WATKINS YOUNG HIGHLANDER.

or two since in relation to the above
named horse we learned that son-in-law
of Mr.. Watkins was living at Whites
town, n. Y. and recently we also learn
ed that Mr. Julius Watkins came to New |
York in 1921 from Torrington, Litchfield |
Co., Conn, bringing the horse with him.
We then wrote to the Litchfeld In
Qurer, published at Litchfield, Conn,
stating this information and requesting
the editor to insert notice of the same
in his paper asking for information of this
horse, if there was any one still living
that could give it, and also requesting
that the files of the Litchfield paper or
papers be examined at our expense from
1890 to 1922 for the same purpose. The
following letters, containing very impor-
tant information, have thus far been re-
ceived:
LITCHFIELD. Conn, Feb. II, 1887.
Mr.. JOSEPH BATTELL.
Dear .ST:-IIave received the enclos-
ed from the writer, who is one of
the very oldest and was formerly
one of the most prominent residents
is father of Hon. Lyman W. Coe. now
prominent in politics and leading man
ufacturer of Torrington.
| have got such files as are in town of
old Litchtield papers, and made an eX-
animation. but have not completed it.
The Monitor was published from before
1890 to 1907. Then followed the Gazette
till June. 1909. when there is a gap till
the Post (afterward Enquirer started in
1926. | have written Mr.. Coe, giving
him your address and asking him to for
ward information to you.
Yours truly,
G.. A. HICKOX.
WATERBURY,. Feb. II, 1887.
Mr.. HICKOX.
Dear Sir If the gentleman wishing
information about the famous horse
Highlander will write, | think | can
give him full history of the horse
from colt.
Respectfully yours,
ISRAEL COE.
WATERBURY,. Conn. Feb. IA, 1887.
Mr.. JOSEPH BATTELL,
Dear Sir MIR IIckox of the En-
qurer informed me you wished in
formation of the early history of the
famous horse Highlander.
The horse was owned by Col. Talmage
of Litchtield, and he employed Saml
Delliber of Torrington to take care of
and train him. lie took him in 1914 or
10. think he was two years old. |
don't know his pedigree, but it was
English. Living in Torrngton and be
ing fond of a fine horse. | often saw him
while he was kept there. He was a
beautiful animal. a mahogany bay. black
name and legs. fine figure, weight
should think about 1850 lbs. Delliber
had charge of him until he was sold to
Mr.. Julius Watkins. His stock was the
best ever in the county: but | suppose it
has run out. 1t was Il great loss when
he left.
don't know that can give any more
information of interest. | infer from
the name that YOU are a grandson of
Mr.. Joseph Battell of Norfolk. with
whom was acquainted. was in the
legislature with him in lS2l-5. and am
the only survivor of those years. was
acquainted with your uncle Joseph. in
Brooklyn, and know your father as
suppose Was at the ordination of Mr..
Emerson in 1915. Knew Mr.. Eldredge.
He dined at my house while - and cop
led his sermon on the fifth command
ment which went to California. and now
in possession of friend in North Dakota,
and which, he says, has been read many
times. 1t was well adapted to the
Young. Two months ago today passed
my 92d birthday.
With kind regards to your father,
Very respectfully yours,
ISRAEL Coz.
We. as well as every breeder in the
country, or gentleman interested in the
horse, are exceedingly obliged to Mr.
Coe for this very valuable information OF
Watkins Young Highlander, who was thu
progenitor of famous line of horses ant
by many is still thought to be the great
grandsre of the renowned Flora Temple
the first horse to trot below 20.
1t has been generally believed hithert
that this Watkins Highlander was got b,
the thoroughbred horse Brown Highland
er, imported to Ltchtield, Conn, by Col
Talmage and others in l79S and known "A
Imp. Brown Highlander, but under the al
parent leadership of Mr.. Wallace thcr
has been an attempt lately to claim tina
this Watkins Highlander was by a son c
Messenger. We abundantly refuted th
claim when it first appeared in leadin
article in Wallace's magazine furnishe
by Mr.. Jones.
As to whether Flora Temple was r.
lated to the Highlander blood, we sha
have occasion to discuss hereafter. I'll
horse Bogus Hunter that Mr.. Walla'
gives as the sire of Flora Temple, al
states was sired by Old Kentucky HUI
ter, never had any existence except as
Pigment of the brain. The LOOMS Bro
kept in their stable in Sangerfield in ls4
the season that Flora Temple was sire
two horseshoe small chestnut hOr
called One-eyed Kentucky Hunter, br
by the brothers William and WashingtC
Loomis of Waterville, n. Y, foa
ahout 1S2f and GOT nv Shprrill'S O